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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
Commemorative Biographical Records
of the counties
of Huron and Lorain, Ohio
- Illustrated -
Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.,
1894
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JUDGE
CHAPMAN - See
DR. AMOS WOODWARD
Commemorative
Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio -
Illustrated -
Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 64 |
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CHARLES S.
CLARKE. This gentleman, who is one of the most enterprising and
thoroughly successful young men of Wakeman, is a son of D.
STILES CLARK, who was born in Milford, New Haven Co., Conn., in 1828.
The latter received a liberal common-school education, and in early youth
commenced to learn the trade of boot and shoe maker, which he followed for
fully twenty-five years.
In 1856 D. Stiles Clark came west to Ohio, and
located in Wakeman township, Huron county, where he continued his trade, and
invested in real estate in and near the present site of Wakeman village,
which was then but a mere "cross road." Some of his property was
divided into town lots, the remainder he cultivated and farmed. In
Connecticut he had married Miss Esther A. Boyd, and five children,
were born to them, as follows: Ella, Walter and Rollie
(deceased); Harriet, now the wife of Prof. Andrews, of Oberlin
College; and Charles, subject of sketch. The father died in
February, 1887, a thorough Christian, and a member of the Congregational
Church of Wakeman. In his political sympathies he was a Republican
until a few years before his demise, when he became a Prohibitionist.
In the course of his busy life he had accumulated wealth, but in later years
he met with reverses and lost heavily. In the cemetery of Wakeman
stands a beautiful monument, erected by the family to the memory of a
devoted husband, a kind and loving and citizen. His noble wife, who
through sunshine and storm was ever his helpmate and comforter, survives
him, and is now at the age of sixty-four years residing with her son of whom
she is justly proud.
Charles S. Clark, whose name opens this sketch,
was born Mar. 21, 1860, in Wakeman, Huron county, where his boyhood was
passed, during the winter months attending the village school, the remainder
of the year working on his father's farm. On reaching his majority he
decided on his future sphere of life, and renting from his father an acre of
ground, bought five dollars worth of corn-seed, then sum being his entire
capital. This seed he sowed on the land he had rented, and the crop
thereof he sold for seed purposes; then the following year he rented more
land, and this time planted sweet corn, on each occasion carefully
cultivating and harvesting his crops. From this small beginning Mr.
Clark has gradually risen until to-day he is the most extensive
seed-corn grower in America. He handles more than eighty different
varieties of corn - including field, pop and sweet - and his business has
grown to such proportions that he now has seven branch offices and
warehouses in various parts of the United States. He is the originator
of the varieties of corn known as "Clark's Mastodon Field Corn" and
"None-such Sweet Corn," which, though placed on the market a few years ago,
are known and grown by corn raisers all over the world. During the
past few years he has invested many thousands of dollars in buildings, etc.,
while his daily freight bills reach far into the hundreds, which in
themselves testify to the magnitude of his trade. In connection with
his business interests, Mr. Clark has traveled extensively, and is
well known in every part of the land.
On June 12, 1888, our subject was united in marriage of
Stiles Smith, of Milford, Conn., and two children have come to
brighten their home, viz.: Hazel, born Feb. 20, 1892, and
another daughter, born Feb. 17, 1894. In his political predilections
Mr. Clark may be said to be a "No Party" man, casting his vote for
the candidate - Presidential or otherwise - he considers best qualified for
the position, and the best man for the people at large. His wife and
mother are members of the Congregational Church.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 507-508 |
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D. STILES
CLARKE - See CHARLES S. CLARKE
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 507-508 |
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STEPHEN F. CLARKE, a
successful farmer of Lyme township, has all his life been engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and is today prominently identified among the
progressive and wide-awake farmers of Huron county.
His father, John Clarke, was born in Ashelworth,
Gloucestershire, England, July 19, 1794, and was married May 5, 1823, to
Miss Elizabeth Lloyd, of Tibberton, Worcestershire, England, who was
born Jan. 26, 1801. Of this union eleven children were born (seven of
whom are still living) namely: Mary Lloyd, born Sept. 17, 1824;
Catherine L., born Oct. 18, 1825; John S., born Feb. 17, 1827;
Christopher, born Aug. 30, 1828; Frederick, born Dec. 28, 1829;
Elizabeth E., born Apr. 15, 1831; Edwin, born July 22, 1832;
Lucy, born Oct. 15, 1833; Philip, born Apr. 29, 1835; Stephen
F., born Dec. 19, 1839; and Theodore E., born Apr. 12, 1842.
John Clarke was a farmer from his youth, and in 1836 moved to Ohio,
where he followed this occupation, ranking high in the esteem of his
neighbors. He was a great Church worker, being one of the founders of
Lyme Trinity Episcopal Church; was also lay reader for years after the
church was first organized, and during the remainder of his life he was
senior warden. He died May 2, 1877; his wife passed away Nov. 10,
1861.
Stephen F. Clarke was born on Pipe creek, in
Erie County, Ohio, and was five years old when his parents moved to the
homestead, where he now resides. He attended the district school in
the vicinity until the formation of the union school in Bellevue, where he
continued his studies, afterward completing them at Oberlin, and at
Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio. At an early age he manifested a
talent for agricultural pursuits, and has devoted his time exclusively to
farming, having lived on the property where he now resides since 1845.
He owns eighty-five acres of valuable and well-cultivated land, situated
about one mile from Bellevue, and each year adds many improvements, in the
way of buildings, new farming implements, and in putting into execution new
methods for carrying on his work. He was proficient in music, and was
a member of various bands for years, playing also the trombone in church at
Bellevue several years.
On Sept. 9, 1868, Stephen F. Clarke married
Sarah Rosa Stults, who lived on a farm about two and one half miles east
of Bellevue. She was an active member of Lyme Trinity Episcopal Church
and choir. Her life was cut short by an early death from childbirth
passing away Mar. 30, 1872, at the age of twenty-three years; the child,
Edith R., was born Mar. 24, 1872. On Sept. 4, 1878, Mr. Clarke
was married to Minnie Louise Anderson, daughter of James
Emory and E. Louise Anderson, on both sides descendants of Scottish
ancestry. The first seven years of her life were spent on her father's
farm (the second one from where she now lives) after which her father sold
his farm, and with his wife and daughter moved into the town of Bellevue,
where he engaged in the grocery business. He is now manager of a large
orange grove in Daytona, Fla. Mrs. Minnie L. Clarke attended a
select school for three or four years, and then entered the public school at
Bellevue, where she completed her studies with the class of '78. To
her marriage with Mr. Clarke have been born three children, viz.:
John A., born Oct. 19, 1879; M. Louise, born Oct. 20, 1881,
and A. Bessie, born May 16, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke
are members of the Congregational Church at Bellevue, of which they are
liberal supporters. Mrs. Clarke has been a member of the choir
for over sixteen years, notwithstanding her many family cares.
ALVIN ANDERSON, grandfather of
Mrs. Minnie L. Clarke, was born Jul. 28, 1800, in New York State, of
Scotch descent, his parents having come from the land of Scott and Barns at
an early day. In 1820 he married Miss Harriet Baldwin, who was
born July 24, 1800, the eldest daughter of Dr. Baldwin, of Newark, N.
J. The young couple then lived on a farm near Honeoye, N. Y., where
five children were born to them, viz: Adeline, Sept. 1822;
Martha, Apr. 30, 1825; Alvin Clark, Feb. 18, 1830; Emily,
1833 (deceased in infancy); and James Emory, Aug. 13, 1836. In
1838 Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, with their young children, left the East
to seek their fortune in the West (as Ohio was then considered), they having
to drive the entire distance, as in those days there were no railroads
through these parts, the country being entirely new, and as a consequence
they endured many hardships. Neighbors were poor and far apart, and
the dense forest teemed with wild animals, including ferocious wolves that
"made night hideous" with their howlings. The family settled on a
tract of between four and five hundred acres of land, situated one mile and
a half east of Bellevue, toward Strong's Ridge. This was in course of
time cleared and cultivated, and sold off to new comers, and other farms and
town property bought.
One by one the children married, and had homes of their
own, the father giving each a share until the youngest, James Emory,
came to marry. The parents then moved into their town "Cottage,"
giving James Emory the homestead, whither he brought his handsome and
accomplished bride - E. Louise (Pennell) - from Honeoye, Ontario Co.,
N. Y., they having married Jan. 27, 1859. She was the eldest daughter
of Dennis Pennell, an extensive dealer in pianos, organs, etc., who
gave to each of his children every advantage money could procure (which in
those days was considerable), sending three of his daughters to Music Vale
Seminary, Salem, Mass., where they graduated in music in all its branches.
They afterward became teachers for over thirty years, their duties never
interfering with family cares and society work. Two children came to
brighten the home of J. Emory and E. Louise Anderson, viz: Minnie
L., born May 26, 1860, and Charles E., born Apr. 13, 1868, now on
the "Nickel Plate" Railroad, his home being in Bellevue. On May 24,
1891, he married Pearl Jessie Kline, of Flat Rock, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Anderson journeyed through
life together over sixty-two years, and in 1870 they celebrated their golden
wedding. In 1882 this "blessed, good, kind old lady, beloved by every
one" (as affectionately described by grand-daughter Mrs. Clarke),
received a paralytic stroke, the second one in her old age, from the effects
of which she died within a few days, the date of her demise being August 30.
For the first five years after the death of his wife, Mr. Anderson
made his home with his son J. E., until the latter moved to Daytona,
Fla., in 1887; he then lived alternately with his two daughters - the late
Mrs. J. B. Higbee, of Bellevue, Ohio, and Mrs. Basil Meek, of
Fremont. Mrs. Meek and two sons - J. E., and A. C.
(of New Bremen, Ohio) - survive him.
Alvin Anderson died Mar. 5, 1893, at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. Meek, aged ninety-two years, seven months, seven
days. He was possessed of much strength of mind, a wonderful spirit of
endurance inherited from his Scotch ancestry, and was a man of great
industry and integrity. Liberal of his means, he contributed largely
to the support of churches with which he was connected, as well as
educational institutions, especially at Lima, New York, Berea, and Delaware,
Ohio, and cheerfully gave his children the advantages of the above named
institutions. Upon arriving at his new home in Ohio, in 1839, and
finding no Methodist Church in Bellevue, and only two or three members
besides his parents and sister of his own denomination, he gathered them
together, organizing them into a Methodist class, which became the nucleus
to the present Methodist Church in the town. He was a loyal Methodist,
but liberal toward all other denominations, and his honored name will ever
be held in grateful remembrance.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 107 |
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DANIEL CLARY - See
HOMER C. CLARY
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 380 |
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HOMER C.
CLARY. Prominently identified with the leading agriculturists
of Ridgefield township is this well-known gentleman. His early
ancestors were natives of New York and New England.
In the winter of 1817 Isaac and Preoxcintha Clary
began the perilous journey from New York to Huron county, Ohio. Ice
covered the lakes over which they passed, and finally they landed in the
midst of an unbroken forest, where Huron, Erie county, now stands. Our
travelers, however, pushed farther south, making a permanent location on a
part of the large tract now owned by their descendants. The ring of
the pioneer axe was soon hard in the wilderness, and one by one the mighty
monarchs of the forest, which had for centuries withstood the fury of the
elements, yielded to their conquerors. In 1818 Preoxcintha
Clary was laid to rest in the Monroeville cemetery, having been the
first of many whose remains are there interred. In 1822 Isaac Clary
was buried beside his wife, leaving the following children to perpetuate his
memory; Aurelius, two daughters (Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Ward),
and Daniel, whose sketch follows.
DANIEL CLARY was born in 1799, near Watertown,
N. Y., and there received a subscription-school education. He then
learned the gunsmith business, soon afterward accompanying his parents to
Huron county, Ohio. He was a very energetic, industrious young man,
and after the death of his father (who left no property) made a bargain for
100 acres of land owned by Maj. David Underhill, who was then the
agent for the "Firelands." This tract was to be paid for in work, and
during the following three years he lost but three days time, thus securing
the property and obtaining a start in life. On Feb. 23, 1825, he was
married to Miss Mary Wilcox, who was born in August, 1809, in New
York, and at the age of fifteen came with her parents to Ohio, where she
afterward taught school in Crawford county. After his marriage, Mr.
Clary continued to follow agriculture, adding to his possession year by
year, and finally becoming one of most prosperous citizens of the community.
In politics he was an Old-line Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican
party. He died Apr. 29, 1863, followed by his widow in 1882. She
was a member of the Baptist Church. They were the parents of two sons,
viz.: Homer C., whose name opens this sketch, and George W.,
who married Sarah Patterson, and died at the age of forty-seven
years.
Homer C. Clary was born Dec. 25, 1825, on the
home farm in Ridgefield township, Huron county, where he is yet living.
He attended school in District No. 1, Ridgefield township, and assisted his
father with the duties of the farm. On Oct. 17, 1850, he married
Laura Humphreys, who was born in 1830 in Connecticut. When a girl
she came to Huron county, Ohio, with her parents, Decius and Laura
(Adams) Humphreys, who were relatives of Col. Humphreys, who were
relatives of Col. Humphreys, Gen. Washington's private secretary.
The representatives of this family have borne national reputations as expert
homeopathic physicians and surgeons of New York City. Mr. and Mrs.
Clary have always resided on the farm which they now occupy, and where
children were born to them as follows: George (deceased at the
age of twelve years), Ellen (Mrs. Fisher), Atherton (in
Buffalo, N. Y.), David (deceased at the age of twenty-seven),
Daniel (a farmer of Ridgefield township), Edward D. (secretary
and superintendent of the Burlington (Iowa) Gas Company) and Frank (a
lawyer of Toledo, Ohio). Mr. Clary has inherited the
progressive traits of character so prominent in the life of his father, and
now owns over 300 acres of the finest, most productive land to be found in
Huron county, every acre of the property being tillable. A handsome
brick residence, surrounded by numerous shade trees, stands amid the fertile
fields, thus completing one of the most pleasant home scenes of Ridgefield
township. In politics Mr. Clary has been a Republican since the
organization of that party, and has filled various township offices with
credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. In
addition to his agricultural interests, he is a director of the Monroeville
National Bank, and was one of the prime movers in establishing the
Monroeville Woolen Mills, which, however, were in operation but a few years.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 380 |
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ALMON B. COE.
In 1634,
there immigrated to America from England one Robert Coo (as the name
was then spelled), whose grand-father suffered martyrdom during the reign of
Queen Mary. A piece of furniture (a sideboard) which once belonged to
him is now owned by Julius Coe, who for nine years was postmaster at
Norwalk, Ohio, and now resides in New York City.
Robert Coe, Jr., came to America, bringing with
him his family, consisting of wife and three sons - Robert, John and
Benjamin - and from these are descended the numerous family of Coe
in America.
Israel Coe, grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was born July 22, 1756, at Granville, Mass., and was reared to
faring, a vocation he followed through life. He prospered, owned a
large tract of land and a sawmill, and several years before his death gave
to each of his children a good farm. In 1809 he came to Ohio, locating
in Portage county, on land located in Rootstown. He married Miss
Artemesia Wright, who bore him six children as present wife are as
follows: Minor Keith, Russell Hoadley, Frederick Wesson, Lydia J.,
Marion, Marguerita and Don Rufus Lawrence. There is little
of the humdrum of ordinary life in the record of John Wilson.
His is a mind of conceive and expand with two continents, backed by a strong
physical nature that could defy the rapid changes from the temperate north
to the torrid tropics. He is the architect of his own fortune, as well
as the avant courier of that intercommunion and knowledge of foreign
nations that is the pledge and glory of every civilization.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 41 |
Asher M. Cole |
COLE.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 440 |
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M. R. COLEMAN, New London, is
undoubtedly one of the most enterprising business men of Huron County.
Philip Coleman, his father, was born in 1814 in New York State, where he was
reared on a farm, and when a young man married Sarah A. Haight, a
native of Dutchess County, same State, born in 1820.
Immediately after marriage Philip Coleman and
his wife migrated to Ohio, and settled on a farm near New London, Huron
County, which is now in the possession of their youngest son, the subject of
this sketch. Here five children were born to them, three of whom are living.
Mr. Coleman was a progressive farmer. Politically a Republican, he was
true to the faith of that party down to the period of his death, which
occurred six years ago. His widow resides with her son at New London.
M. R. Coleman was born in
Huron County in 1850. The territory was then far advanced beyond pioneer
conditions, so that as a boy he enjoyed advantages unknown to older natives
of that section. His education was received in the common and high schools
of the district. About the year 1870 he began business for himself, and for
eight or ten years was engaged in farming. Then he established himself in
New London as a hay merchant - buying, baling and shipping this staple to
correspondents in southern and eastern cities, New York being the leading
market. The extent of his trade may be learned from the fact that in 1892 he
shipped 250 carloads of baled hay. His flax mill is also an important
industry, and contributes its quota to more than one American industry. The
product of this mill is principally upholsterers' tow, in which a large
trade is done. With his hay and flax interests, Mr. Coleman also
carries on the farm, near New London, giving to it a full share of the
attention it merits.
Politically a Republican, our subject is influential
among the men of his party; while as a citizen he is a boon to the
neighborhood in which he exercises his business talents.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 206
Contributed By:
Bob Weaver |
Lewis Conger |
LEWIS CONGER
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 386
|
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MRS. M. A. CORWIN.
This lady is one of the most popular and useful citizens of
Norwalk. She is a daughter of the late Hon. Timothy Baker, and traces
her lineage to three brothers who sailed from England and located in Lyme,
Mass.; afterward one of the brothers, Abner, settled in Northampton,
Mass., in early Colonial days.
ABNER BAKER was a member of the church of Dr.
Edwards. He married Lois Waters, of Connecticut. He
spent the later years of his life in Norwalk, Ohio. His son,
Timothy, was born Aug. 5, 1787, in Northampton, Mass. He went to
Utica, N. Y., in 1801, and in 1805 made his home in Herkimer, N. Y. In
1814 he joined some friends in a journey to Huron county, Ohio, with no
intention of purchasing land or making a home in the locality.
"Passing through Norwalk on an Indian trail, the party found shelter for the
night, with several other similar companies, in a log cabin about fifteen
feet square, two miles south of the village, ten or twelve making their bed
on the poles and bark that formed the floor under the primitive roof.
In 1815 he again visited Ohio and purchased several large tracts of land,
including the farm in Norwalk." After returning to Herkimer, he was
married Mar. 23, 1816, to Miss Eliza Remington, a resident of
Fairfield, who was born in 1794, in Providence, R. I., and whose maternal
grandfather was a cousin of Gen. Greene, of Revolutionary fame.
She was reared on a farm, and educated in Fairfield Academy, N. Y., being a
very intellectual woman, and was of material assistance in promoting the
success of her distinguished husband. On Sept. 27, 1819, Timothy
Baker, accompanied y his family and brother Theodore, moved upon
his property in Norwalk, Ohio, the village then consisting of ten or twelve
families. He immediately entered heartily into every plan for the
progress and development of the place, and was a prominent citizen for forty
years. In 1821 he was made associate judge of Huron county, serving in
that capacity for twenty-one years, in 1842 declining reappointment.
He was also president of the Bank of Norwalk for many years, and in all
these responsible positions won a reputation for integrity and good judgment
which has been accorded to but few, and which was never better deserved.
In 1842 he united with the First Baptist Church of Norwalk, and the tie thus
formed proved a source of strength and blessing during his remaining years,
growing more precious as the years passed. Mr. Baker died Sept.
27, 1862, following by her husband Jan. 27, 1878. They were the
parents of six children, all of whom lived to be over sixty years of age.
They were as follows: M. A., James W., William (an attorney in
Toledo), Timothy (now deceased, connected with the Chicago Board of
Trade), and Charles H. and George, in Toledo.
Mrs. M. A. Corwin grew to womanhood beneath the
paternal roof, and was educated at the old Norwalk seminary when it was a
leading institution of the State. Among her schoolmates were students
who have risen to national fame, and she has developed into a woman of rare
culture. On Sept. 3, 1840, she was united in marriage with Rev. Ira
Corwin, who was born Dec. 12, 1809, in Cazenovia, N. Y. He was
educated in the schools of his native State, and then took a theological
course at Hamilton, N. Y., now Colgate University. He then came to
Medina, Ohio, being ordained a Baptist minister in 1838, which was his first
charge. He had pastorates in Erie, Penn., three years, and then came
to Ohio; was nearly nine years in Marietta, Ohio, and then was seven years
in South Bend, Ind. In 1861 he resigned his pastorate in South Bend,
and came to Norwalk, and supplied vacancies in Huron and adjoining counties.
He was a thorough scholar, and watchful pastor, doing grand service for the
cause to which his life was given. He died July 7, 1886. The
children were as follows: Timothy B., William H., George Whipple,
Eliza, Charles, and George W., last named being deceased.
There are two grandchildren, Bertha and Maria. Mrs. Corwin
has been a prominent leader in promoting the literary and social culture
of Norwalk, as one of the organizers of the Society for that purpose which
prospered for many years, and whose influence is yet evident. She is
now living at Norwalk in semi-retirement, though yet a devoted worker in the
Baptist Church, and gives liberally to all worthy enterprises. For
morning exercise she indulges in a novel but successful method of healthy
recreation, pulling weeds in the garden before breakfast, which she affirms
produces a salutary effect, and is very conducive to a good appetite.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 481 |
| |
DAVID CRAWFORD - See
JOHN H. CRAWFORD
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 379 |
| |
JOHN H.
CRAWFORD is a native of Cass township, Richland Co., Ohio, born Jan.
8, 1840, fourth child of David and Margaret
(Miller) Crawford.
John Crawford, father of David, was born in
County Tyrone, Ireland, and when eight years of age came with his parents to
a pioneer farm in Franklin county, Penn. On arriving at maturity
John Crawford was married to Mary Eckels, and in 1830 they came
to a farm in Richland county, Ohio. He voted with the Democratic
party, and in religion was an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church.
He died in 1860, at the age of eighty-nine years, followed by his wife in
1870.
DAVID CRAWFORD was born Dec. 4,
1805, on the home place in Franklin county, Penn., where he was educated,
learning and following the shoemaker's trade, and in 1830 came to Richland
county, Ohio. In the same year he selected a life companion in the
person of Margaret Miller, a native of Maryland, and in 1848 they
settled in Ripley township, Huron Co., Ohio, where he conducted a grist and
saw mill. In 1863 he settled in Peru township, Huron county, and
devoted his later years to carpentering. Politically, he affiliated
with the democratic party, and he was a Universalist in religious belief.
He died in 1884, followed by his wife in 1885, when in her seventy-fourth
year. They were the parents of ten children - four sons and six
daughters - of whom
the sons and two daughters are yet living.
John H. Crawford received a common-school
education, and learned the shoe-maker's trade. On July 28, 1862, he
enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and First Regiment, O. V. I., which was
assigned to the army of the Cumberland. He went with them through
Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, and took part in the engagements
at Perrysville, Stone River, Chickamauga, besides several minor engagements.
At the battle of Chickamauga (Sept. 20, 1863), he was wounded an d captured,
being first taken to Belle Isle, then to Danville, and from there to
Andersonville, where he was confined six months and ten days, enduring
untold hardships. From there he was taken to Charleston, then to
Florence, thence to Goldsboro, and finally to Wilmington. He was there
paroled, and going to Annapolis, Md., was finally exchanged at Columbus,
Ohio, Feb. 26, 1865, after having been a prisoner for eighteen months.
He was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 9, 1865, and returning to Peru
township, Huron Co., Ohio, resumed his trade. On July 3, 1867, he was
united in marriage with Frances M. Nye, and they had six children,
namely: Cora L., Anice M., Alice M. (deceased in infancy), Arthur
A., Verna (deceased in infancy), and Clair M. In 1880,
Mr. Crawford took charge of his father-in-law's farm (consisting of
sixty acres in Bronson township) which he now owns and occupies.
Politically he has always voted with the Republican party, and he served
seven years as constable of Peru township. He has also held a similar
position in Bronson township for five years, and has served eight years as
township assessor. He is a member of the Universalist Church; a
member of Huron Lodge No. 37, I. O. O. F., and a Past Grand, and at the
present time is Sen. Vice Commander of James Mann Post G. A. R.,
Department of Ohio; also Secretary of Peru Grange, P. of H.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 379 |
S. E. Crawford |
HON. S. E.
CRAWFORD, Norwalk, is a native of Richland county, Ohio, born Sept.
20, 1842.
There are strong evidences at hand pointing to the fact
that he not only came into this world, but also to Norwalk, under propitious
stars.
Twice in succession was he called to the office of
mayor of that city by the suffrages of his old neighbors, the first time in
1889; and so favorable was his service that he was re-elected, and was yet
again the unanimous choice of his party's convention for a third term,
chosen over the heads of older citizens, and, it is not too much to say,
above all in Norwalk, because he is and has been of the political party that
is in the minority in the city. Few men ever receive such a compliment
from the voters as has come unsought to him; few men are stronger than party
ties, or live in an atmosphere far above the active prejudices of the
American voter.
Mr. Crawford is a son of David and Margaret
(Miller) Crawford, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively.
They were pioneers to Richland county, Ohio, where they met and were
married, thence removed to Huron county, when the subject of this sketch was
about five years of age. The father died Mar. 31, 1884, aged
seventy-five; the mother Oct. 1, 1885, at the same age. They were
Universalists in their religious views, and were possessed of the united
respect of their fellow-men. Commencing their young lives together,
they were but briefly separated in death. The paternal grandfather of
our subject was a native of Ireland, and a pioneer of Beaver county, Penn.,
thence moving to Richland county, where he was a farmer. The paternal
grandmother, Mary Eckles, was of Scotch descent, and survived to the
advanced age of ninety years. Mayor Crawford's maternal
grandfather, Henry Miller, of Maryland, removed to Harrison county,
Ohio, when Mayor Crawford's mother was but a small child, locating
soon after in the forests on the dividing line between Huron and Richland
counties, four miles east of where is now the town of Plymouth. Our
subject's maternal grandmother died in the village of Peru, Huron county, at
the advanced age of ninety-three years.
S. E. Crawford is the fifth in a family of ten
children. Here he has lived his life of useful years, receiving from
the common schools of his locality the fundamentals of an English education.
When old enough, he was apprenticed to learn the wagon maker's trade, which
he left uncompleted to enter the service of his country to aid in the
suppressing of the great Rebellion. He first joined Company C.
One Hundred and Sixty-sixth Regiment O. V. I., and served a term of four
months; then enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment, O. V.
I., Company A, and served in this command eight months as first lieutenant,
all the time being attached to the army of the time being attached to the
army of the Potomac. When peace with her blessings again came to the
land, the young soldier quit the tented front and repaired to Bryan,
Williams Co., Ohio, and again took up the learning of his trade, completing
which he located, in 1867, in Norwalk, and commenced making wagons and
carriages, having established the firm of S. E. Crawford & Co.
In this he continued until 1872, when he sold his interest in the company,
and at once engaged in the agricultural implement business. In a short
time he organized his present industry - the manufacture of rubber buckets,
chain and wood force pump supplies.
In 1882 Mr. Crawford was elected a member of the
city council, and was re-elected until 1889, when he was chosen mayor, as
already stated. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., Daughters
of Rebekah, Knights of the Maccabees, National Union and G. A. R., in all of
which he is a past officer. He is a director of the Norwalk Metal
Stamping and Spinning Company, and is vice-president of the Home Savings and
Loan Company. On June 20, 1893, he was elected a director of the
Sandusky, Milan & Norwalk Electric Railway.
On Sept. 30, 1869, S. E. Crawford was united in
marriage with Miss Mary E. Harrington, daughter of Patrick and
Mary Harrington, formerly of Cleveland, now deceased.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 232 |
| |
FRANCIS B. CROSBY
(deceased) was a son of William Crosby, who settled in Huron county,
Ohio, at an early day, but subsequently moved to Kansas. William
was born in Adams county, N. Y. His first wife was Eliza
Stilwell, and for his second wife he married Eliza Starkey, who
accompanied her husband to Huron county.
Francis B. Crosby was born September 16, 1833,
in Ridgefield township, Huron County, Ohio, where he received a primary
education in the school of the district, and subsequently worked on the home
farm. On December 21, 1855, he married Adeline Franklin, who
was born August 22, 1836, in Onondaga county, N. Y., and their children were
as follows: Alice O., married to John Bowen, a farmer of
Greenfield township; William F. and Albert W., residing at home.
The parents of Mrs. Adeline Crosby were Reuben and Rhoda (Nobles)
Franklin, who settled in Richmond township, Huron county, at an early
day. Mrs. Franklin died in 1839, Mr. Franklin in 1840.
From the death of her parents to the time of her marriage Adeline
resided with her sister, Mrs. Rufus Atherton. After marriage
Francis B. and Adeline Crosby made their home on the William
Crosby homestead, which they purchased, and where he resided until his
sudden death, April 1, 1880. After his death the widow assumed charge
of affairs, and managed the farm and other interests with consummate
ability, until the legal division of the estate. From 1880 to this
time Mrs. Crosby has lived in her present home. She is a member
of the Baptist high place in the estimation of the people. Mr.
Crosby was a lifelong farmer and stock-grower, and built up a valuable
estate by industry and attention to details. Politically he was a
Republican, and in religion a Baptist.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the counties of
Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers &
Co., 1894 - Page 260 |
| |
JOSEPH C. CURTISS - See
SAMUEL W. CURTISS
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 454 |
| |
SAMUEL W. CURTISS,
one of the progressive, active spirits of Fitchville townshp, and a
friend of every worthy enterprise, was born in that township July 10, 1832.
JOSEPH C. CURTISS, his father, was born in June,
1803, in Oneida county, N. Y., attended the school of his native place for
some time, and then learned the gunsmith's trade. He was there married
to Lucinda Ward, and early in 1825 the young couple set out for Ohio.
It was then the paradise of hunters and Mr. Curtiss saw plainly that,
where hunters were, would undoubtedly be the proper place to carry on his
trade. Locating at Norwalk, Huron county, he purchased a town lot on
Main street, known as "The Todd Lot," and thereon erected a small
house, to serve the dual purpose of dwelling and workshop. Early in
1832 he removed to Fitchville, and entering into partnership with Union
White, established a general store at the center. Political
incompatibility led to the dissolution of this partnership in 1835.
There was no possibility of an agreement between Whig and Democrat, under
one roof, and hence the establishment of a second general store at
Fitchville, in the year named.
In 1835 Mr. Curtiss erected a residence
adjoining his store, and there lived to the close of his life. In 1861
he retired from mercantile pursuits, but up to the period of his death,
Sept. 1, 1871, he took an active interest in politics, and particularly in
the development of Fitchville village and township. Prior to 1856 he
was an Old-line Whig, and during his remaining years a stanch Republican.
In 1839-40 he was an active partisan in the Harrison-Tyler campaign, and was
himself elected a commissioner of Huron county on the Whig ticket.
That office he held four years, when he was elected a member of the
Legislature, in which he served during the sessions of 1845 and 1846.
A temperance man by experience, he studied the devastation of human life by
drink, and opposed free liquor with all the fore of his mind. In fact
he carried the principle so far as to enlarge his dwelling and establish a
temperance hotel for the convenience of the public. The enterprise was
unpopular. Travelers, as a rule, were drinking men then, and the
regular hotel-keepers furnished a certain amount of strong drink with board
and lodging; so that the temperance hotel was compelled to fight a long and
strong battle against the sophistry and liberality of its opponents.
Mr. Curtiss met their actions by furnishing board and lodgings twenty
per cent, below the price charged by the regular hotel men, and this action
compelled them to cut prices. Thus matters went along for thirteen
years, when the temperance house closed its doors. It was conducted at
a profit, and taught lessons which bore rich fruit.
Mr. Curtiss was twice married, first to
Lucina Ward, to whom three sons - J. C., Jr., S. W. and D. A.
- and one daughter - Mary J. - were born. After the death of
this wife he married a Mrs. Allen, who is the mother of one daughter,
Jane, now living in Hamilton, N. Y. While a resident of Norwalk
Mr. Curtiss produced a greater number of guns than the demands of local
trade required. The surplus the would load on a pack horse, at stated
intervals, and sell along the old Wooster trail, and what remained on
arriving at Wooster he could easily dispose of there to hunters and farmers.
He afterward became a heavy dealer in farm products, which he received in
exchange for merchandise. On one occasion he sent forward a drove of
1,700 hogs to New York City, and often shipped vast quantities of stock and
grain to the markets north, south and east.
Samuel W. Curtiss was born in Fitchville
township, immediately after the removal of the family from Norwalk, and in
his boyhood attended the school of Miss Sarah Mason, just south of
Fitchville village. After her day he continued to attend the school of
the district, the hours after school being given to work in his father's
store. Later he attended the academy of Rev. T. F. Thompson, of
Norwalk, and when his school days were passed took a position in the
Curtiss store. On one occasion, in winter time, when he was
seventeen years old, he was sent with the drovers to deliver 1,700 hogs,
which his father promised to supply to a party or parties at Baltimore.
The route lay through Pennsylvania. The Ohio river was crossed at
Smith's Ferry, and they proceeded thence via the National Pike, through
Washington county, Penn. Before reaching Baltimore the destination was
changed to New York, and while en route they sold 1,300 of the hogs at
Reading, Penn., the balance being traded for fat hogs, which they took to
New York and there sold. After returning to Fitchville our subject
became a regular clerk in his father's store. In 1851 he married
Fidelia Tucker, who was born in 1830, in Madison county, N. Y., daughter
of Lester Tucker, and after marriage the young couple went to reside
on a farm in Greenwich township. His first experience in agricultural
pursuits was on the farm he now owns, where he remained some three years,
and then moved to Greenwich, whence after two years residence there he
returned to Fitchville and re-entered his father's store. For three
years thereafter he clerked, and then continued as partner with his father
until the fall of 1864. Retaining his interest in the store, he
returned to the farm, and was engaged in agriculture until 1871, when the
death of his father called him to Fitchville village to take charge of the
store. In 1878 he admitted as partner his son, who managed the house
from 1883 to 1887, while the father gave his attention to his fine farm,
situated northeast of the village. On this farm he built an elegant
residence and made many improvements, but since 1887 he has made his home in
the village, entrusting his farm to the care of tenants. The children
of Samuel W. and Fidelia Curtiss are as follows: Ada M.,
Mrs. E. E. Townsend, of New London township; Sidney O., of New
London village; Carrie, who died when twenty-two years old; Doren,
who died when four years old; Lena F., deceased wife of William
Palmer; Bertha and Pearl, who reside at home. The mother of
this family is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Curtiss
enlisted Apr. 2, 1864, in an independent company of the Sixty-third
Regiment, Ohio National Guards. In 1863 the One Hundred and
Sixty-sixth Regiment was organized in Huron county as Home Guards, and in
the spring of 1864 Gov. Brough turned the Sixty-third over to the
Government as United States troops, to go wherever called. On May 2,
1864, they were ordered to Camp Taylor at Cleveland, Ohio, but when mustered
it was found that there were some 200 men unfit for duty, and Mr. Curtiss'
company was then consolidated with the Seventy-ninth Battalion, O. N. G., of
Medina county, a senior organization. On May 15, 1864, when the change
was made in the disposal of the Sixty-third Regiment, he was mustered in as
first lieutenant; and when his company was consolidated with the Medina
battalion (at which time he was quartermaster), he was deprived of his
commission on a technicality. Thereupon he was about returning home,
when his superiors prevailed upon him to remain as lieutenant in Company B.
The regiment proceeded to Virginia, and did duty at Fort Richardson,
Barnard, Reynolds and Ward, until muster out, Sept. 9, 1864.
After the excitement attendant on Jubal Early's raid on Washington
had died out, the men of Mr. Curtiss' regiment suffered much from
camp sickness. At one time his own illness was so serious that
his wife traveled from Ohio to attend upon him, and to her ministrations his
recovery is attributed.
Our subject cast his first vote for the first
Republican Presidential nominee, and his loyalty to the party is well known
in Huron county. He has filled various offices in his township.
Under the charter of the village of Fitchville he is mayor, although the
corporation is sleeping. It was he who contributed lumber for the
first sidewalk laid by the municipality, and to him must be credited,
specially, the lighting of the streets of the village.
Source: Commemorative Biographical Records of the
counties of Huron and Lorain, Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H.
Beers & Co., 1894 - Page 454 |
| |
W. P. CURTISS,
son of
Charles Curtiss, and grandson on the maternal side of
Ebenezer Treat, was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in
1841.
Charles Curtiss was born in New York State, but
passed his boyhood in Canada. About the year 1838 he
migrated to Ohio, locating in Ashland county, and erected
one of the first saw and grist mills in Ruggles township.
Water power was used; so that, as the country was cleared
and the swamps converted into fertile fields, the water
courses dwindled into streamlets, the water-wheel became of
little use, and the owner turned his attention to
agriculture. Charles Curtiss was married in New
York State, and ten children were born to him, of whom eight
grew to manhood and womanhood, two being now residents of
Ohio. The father of this family died in 1865, aged
seventy-three years, and the mother, Jemima (Treat)
Curtiss, died in 1872 at the age of seventy-two years.
Charles Curtiss was a Democrat down to 1860, when he
cast his vote for Lincoln being a stern Union man
during the war.
W. P. Curtiss is an experienced manufacturer and
employer. Raised on the farm in Ruggles township, he
was educated in the school of his district and in the high
school of his district and in the high school at Savannah.
At an early age he ventured into the business world by
operating a stone quarry on the home farm. In 1864 he
commenced the bending business at New London, and this
business was carried on by him and his brother, Charles
L. Curtiss, for two years, when he bought his brother's
interest. He then associated himself with W. R.
Santley for the term of three years, at the expiration
of which
Mr. Curtiss sold his interests in the bending industry
to his partner, and commenced the manufacture of cheese
boxes, a business he carried on for four or five years.
He then added to his business the manufacture of butter
tubs, and again took his brother, C. L. Curtiss, as a
partner. This firm continued the business about two
years, when they organized a joint-stock company for the
purpose of manufacturing cheese and butter packages, and
other cooperage stock and lumber. The management of
this then passed into other hands, and was operated by them
some three or four years at a loss to the stockholders of
nearly the whole investment of which
Mr. Curtiss and his brother, C. L., owned a large amount.
During the most of this time Mr. Curtiss was at work
for the lumber firm of W. R. Santley & Co., of
Wellington, Ohio. About nine years ago he purchased
the old concern, and commenced the same business
again, with Mr. O. C. Harvey (his nephew) as partner,
under the name of Curtiss & Harvey. About one
year later Mr. Harvey died, and his widow (Mrs.
Harvey) has retained his interest with Mr. Curtiss
until the present time. The business of this firm has
increased to four or five times its original amount within
the past five years. The buildings now devoted to this
industry comprise one two-story 34x88 feet in area; one
30x60 feet two-story, and one 28x30 feet; one large
steam-heated dry kiln, and two sheds, each one hundred feet
in length; one seventy-five horse-power engine is used for
driving the machinery. This is without doubt the most
extensive and best equipped butter tub factory in the State
of Ohio. Several of the machines used in this factory
were designed especially for the business by Mr. Curtiss,
some of which he has several patents on.
Being located in a section of the country where there
is an abundant amount of white ash timber of the very best
quality for butter tubs, this concern anticipates a still
greater increase in their business for the next few years.
The part this industry has taken and now takes in the
development of this section of the country is an important
one, and worthy the study of the economist.
The marriage of Mr. Curtiss with Louisa M.
Fish, a native of New York, took place Oct. 17, 1871.
To this union two children - Mattie E. and William
Raymond - were born. William Raymond died
in December, 1882, at the age of one year and fifteen days.
In social affairs Mr. Curtiss is a Royal Arch Mason,
and a member of the National Union. As a citizen he is
enterprising and progressive.
Source: Commemorative
Biographical Records of the counties of Huron and Lorain,
Ohio - Illustrated - Published: Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.,
1894 - Page 183 |
NOTES: |
